Episodios

  • Living Regional, Rural, and Remote as a Neurodivergent Person with Avril Fazel

    Living Regional, Rural, and Remote as a Neurodivergent Person with Avril Fazel
    Jun 8 2025

    This week Monique chats with Avril Fazel about living in regional, rural, and remote areas as a neurodivergent person. Avril lives on the lands of Kuungkari, Bidjera and Inningai peoples, between the rural towns of Blackall and Tambo in outback Queensland. She identifies as intersectional feminist with lived experiences in mental illness and neurodivergence, and her social discourse is influenced by her backgrounds in education, community work, and being a local grazier.

    We hope you enjoy this beautiful chat as much as we did!

    Monique and Avril cover:

    • How Avril thinks about neurodivergence and the importance of curiosity.
    • Avril’s path to understanding her own neurodivergence and to diagnosis at 50.
    • Barriers to services when living rural and remote.
    • The proportion of people living regional, rural, and remote experiencing disability, and why neurodivergent folk might gravitate to these areas.
    • Avril’s experience of community in her local area, and balancing solitude with community engagement.
    • Avril’s experience of the nature and sensory-based components of living rurally.
    • How Avril’s deep interest in understanding different ways of learning impacted her teaching.
    • The importance of transparent communication and modelling self-understanding and self-regulation strategies when teaching kids.
    • Avril’s current special interests.

    Things we mentioned:

    • Queensland State Government’s Assessment and Referral Team (ART)
    • Fact sheet on disability access to the NDIS in rural Australia.
    • Check-UP Access for All project - an education tool and app to help medical and allied staff better understand disability.
    • Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats

    Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

    Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.

    Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.

    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 30 m
  • Domestic and Family Violence with Patricia Gallagher

    Domestic and Family Violence with Patricia Gallagher
    Jun 1 2025
    In this week’s episode we’ll be discussing family violence and domestic abuse. These are important conversations, but they can also be distressing or triggering for some listeners. If this episode feels too difficult to listen to right now, please take care of yourself and consider coming back to it when you feel ready—or just skipping it altogether. And if you or someone you know is currently experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you're not alone and that support is available. We’ve included links and resources below if you need help or someone to talk to. This week we’re speaking to Patricia Gallagher about domestic and family violence. Patricia is a neuro-affirming registered psychologist, EMDR Accredited Practitioner with EMDRAA, and a Board Approved Supervisor, with over 16 years of experience across diverse settings. She currently works with clients from her private practice based in Melbourne, Gallagher Psychology. Patricia’s niche is in working with women affected by domestic violence, family violence, and childhood trauma; supporting them to heal and rise above the ashes of shame and trauma. In addition to her clinical work, Patricia is a sought-after trainer, supervisor, and speaker in the fields of trauma and family violence. In this episode we cover: What neurodivergence means to Patricia + her experience of being at the early stages of her exploration of her own neurodivergence.The definition of family and domestic violence and the different forms of abuse that come under this definition.What is ‘covert’ abuse.Understanding the cycle of abuse that commonly occurs, and factors that play into this.Common traits and emotional experiences of perpetrators.What is ‘coercive control’.The factors that increase the likelihood of disabled, neurodivergent, and / or previously traumatised folk being targeted for domestic and family abuse.Logistical and emotional barriers to leaving situations of domestic abuse.Patricia’s approach to supporting people’s recovery from domestic and family violence.The shark cage exercise for building boundaries.Tips and resources for anyone experiencing domestic or family violence. Things we mentioned: Australian statistics on the prevalence of domestic and family violence.Study on the prevalence of intimate partner violence in Australia.Royal Commission into rates of family, domestic, and sexual violence of women and girls with disability.Australian Government Coercive Control Fact SheetUrsula Benstead’s Shark Cage Connect with Patricia through her Instagram @gallagherpsychology or @patriciagallagher, Facebook page, Gallagher Psychology, and her website, www.gallagherpsychology.com.au. Looking for support with situations of domestic or family violence? Try these resources: Australia wide 1800RESPECT (Ph. 1800 737 732) - National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Offers phone and online chat support 24/7.Relationships Australia (Ph. 1300 364 277) - Counselling and support for individuals and families experiencing relationship breakdown or violence.Women's Legal Services - Provide free legal advice and assistance on domestic and family violence, family law, child protection.QLife (Ph. 1800 184 527 - 3pm–midnight daily) - LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral.Are You Safe at Home?Ask Izzy - Search tool for nearby shelters, food, legal help, and more. Some state based services Safe Steps (Victoria) (Ph. 1800 015 188) - 24/7 family violence response line for women and children in Victoria.InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence (Victoria) (Ph. (03) 9413 6500 / 1800 755 988) - Culturally sensitive family violence support for migrant and refugee women in Victoria.DVConnect (Queensland) (Women's line: 1800 811 811; Mensline: 1800 600 636) - Crisis counselling and referrals for people experiencing domestic and family violence.Immigrant Women's Support Service (Queensland) (Ph. (07) 3846 3490) - Support for migrant and refugee women experiencing domestic and sexual violence.Domestic Violence Crisis Service (ACT) (Ph. (02) 6280 0900) - Services for people affected by domestic violence in the ACT.Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline (NSW) ( only: 1800 019 123) - A dedicated line for Aboriginal victims of crime who need counselling, information, and referrals. Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question! Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/...
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    1 h y 32 m
  • Breastfeeding and Infant Sleep with Arnikka de Kort

    Breastfeeding and Infant Sleep with Arnikka de Kort
    May 25 2025

    This week Monique welcomes Arnikka de Kort to the podcast, to chat about breastfeeding and infant sleep.

    Arnikka is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Neonatal Nurse and Founder of SuckleBubs - a space that reimagines how women and babies are supported in the early weeks of newborn life. She is also the creator of In Bloom - a postpartum and breastfeeding mentorship program guiding mothers through their transition to motherhood, from pregnancy and into postpartum. Drawing from her clinical and lived experience as a neurodivergent mother, Arnikka blends her clinical skills with a deeply attuned and compassionate approach to the care of mothers and babies.

    This ep is packed with knowledge gems direct from Arnikka’s brain, so flick it on to anyone you know who is pregnant or postpartum, neurodivergent or not!

    Monique and Arnika cover:

    • What is an IBCLC?
    • What neurodivergence means to Arnikka and her personal journey to discovering her own neurodivergence and the self-acceptance that came with that.
    • Arnikka’s personal experience as a neurodivergent mother with birth and breastfeeding.
    • The variability in infant sleep needs.
    • The interrelationship between infant sleep, feeding, and baby’s sensory needs.
    • Some of the key challenges parents face in their infant feeding journey, including those specific to neurodivergent mothers.
    • Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER).
    • Arnikka’s tips for parents experiencing infant feeding challenges.
    • Tips for problem solving issues with infant sleep and supporting infant circadian development.
    • Elements of pregnancy, birth, and infant care that can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent mothers and tips to manage these.

    Things we mentioned:

    • Before the Letdown: Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex and the Breastfeeding Mother by Alia Macrina Heise
    • The NDC institute – free resources and a practitioner directory.
    • Motherkind by Zoe Blaskey
    • Mama Rising by Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

    Connect with Arnikka through her website, Suckle Bubs, or on Instagram @sucklebubs.

    Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

    Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.

    Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.

    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 31 m
  • EDS, POTS, and MCAS with Dr Megan Thomas and Bianca Comfort

    EDS, POTS, and MCAS with Dr Megan Thomas and Bianca Comfort
    May 18 2025
    On this week’s episode Monique chats with two amazing guests – Specialist GP Dr Megan Thomas (she / they) and Clinical Psychologist Bianca Comfort (she / her) – about Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Disorder (MCAS). Dr Megan is a queer, disabled, neurodivergent doctor with lived experience of EDS, POTS, MCAS, and related conditions. She is a GP Specialist and one of the Founding Directors of Connected Health Alliance, an EDS CORE Network of Excellence and health promotion charity working to improve the lives of hypermobile humans through the provision of interdisciplinary healthcare, clinician education, and research. Megan is a passionate advocate of holistic, trauma-informed, person-centred care that is affirming for people of all neurotypes, identities, and experiences. Bianca is a Melbourne-based neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist and is the Director of Comfort Psychology, a telehealth practice focused on chronic illness and neurodivergence. She is also the Vice President of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and Co-Chair of the Australian EDS & HSD Network. Bianca's expertise lies in the intersection between neurodivergence and chronic illnesses such as EDS, POTS, and MCAS. Drawing from both her professional and lived experience, Bianca is a passionate advocate and educator. Monique, Megan, and Bianca cover: Megan and Bianca share what neurodivergence means to them, and their experiences as neurodivergent health practitioners with chronic illnesses.What are EDS, POTS, and MCAS, and how are these conditions diagnosed?Why do we see EDS, POTS, and MCAS commonly occurring together?How do these three conditions relate to Autism and ADHD?Factors to consider when managing multiple co-occurring conditions.The triple empathy problem.The types of supports people may need if they have these conditions.How to access support. Things we mentioned: The Beighton Score System for EDS and the Hakim 5 questionnaire for hypermobility can be found on the Ehlers-Danlos Society website.Mast Cell Mediator Release Syndrome Questionnaire.The EDS SocietyThe Australian POTS foundationThe Australian EDS and HSD NetworkThe Australian Mastocytosis SocietyStudies on the overlap between EDS, Autism, and ADHD: Cederlöf et al., 2016; Dogan et al., 2011; Shiari et al., 2013; Csecs et al., 2020; Csecs et al., 2022.Research on “clinician associated trauma” experienced by patients with EDS - Halverson, Penwell, & Francomano, 2023. Find Bianca at her clinic, Comfort Psychology, and on Instagram @comfortpsychology. Find Megan through her website, Dr Megan Thomas, or her clinic, Connected Health Alliance, and on socials @drmeganthomas and @connectedhealthalliance. Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question! Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod. Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here. Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 35 m
  • Neurodivergent Stories with Jessica Horner

    Neurodivergent Stories with Jessica Horner
    May 11 2025
    Hey everyone, just a heads up that in this episode Jessica mentions times in her life when she was suicidal. If this brings up anything for you, please reach out to someone you trust, or contact one of the support lines we’ve included in the show notes. Take care of yourselves, and feel free to pause or skip this one if you need to. This week we are chatting to Jessica Horner about neurodivergent stories. Jessica is a proudly AuDHD and disabled woman and she works as a policy advisor with People With Disability Australia. She has previously worked as a journalist at the ABC, where she focused on the experiences of late diagnosed Autistic adults across Australia and wrote, among other pieces, a long form feature article called “A Rich New Lens”. She would later be nominated as a finalist for this article, alongside her producer, for the Media Diversity Australia Award, issued by the Walkley Foundation in 2023. She has also written for ABC Everyday, ABC News, Reframing Autism, Yooralla, and others. In this episode we deep dive into how neurodivergent stories are told, by whom, and for what purpose, and unpack to impact of this on the neurodivergent community. We cover: How Jessica thinks about neurodivergence.Jessica’s experience of her neurodivergence, and how this evolved over time along with her sense of self and identity.What are stories, why do we tell stories, and why are stories important?How power dynamics become embedded in cultural stories and ways we can work to shift this.Unpacking how neurodivergent stories are told.What does trauma-informed journalism and storytelling look like?Jessica’s current hyperfixations and a personal story on how Autism can show up for her. You can find Jessica through her website, Spoonfuls of Whimsy, or on Instagram and Facebook @spoonfuls_of_whimsy Looking for mental health support? Try these resources: Immediate Support Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467 (24/7 telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide)Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention)Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800 (24/7 free, private, and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25) Additional Resources headspace — Support for young people aged 12–25, with mental health, physical health, work, and study support.SANE Australia — Support for people living with complex mental health issues and their families.13YARN — 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)QLife — 1800 184 527 (Support for LGBTQIA+ people, available every day from 3pm to midnight) Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question! Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod. Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here. Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 21 m
  • High Support Needs and Autism with Sienna Macalister

    High Support Needs and Autism with Sienna Macalister
    Apr 27 2025

    This week Monique chats with Sienna Macalister (they/them), who listeners may know by their Instagram handle @sienna.stims, about being an Autistic person with high support needs. Sienna is a non-binary, ‘unreliably speaking’ Autistic advocate, diagnosed with Autism Level 3. They are multiply neurodivergent and have a number of co-occurring health conditions, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Sienna is passionate about creating a world where Autistic people are not just accepted but celebrated, with a deep affinity for exploring neurodivergence with nuance.

    Monique and Sienna cover:

    • What does ‘unreliably speaking’ mean?
    • What neurodivergence means to Sienna and the importance of understanding the term to mean more than just Autism and ADHD.
    • Sienna’s experience of early diagnosis of Autism and the diagnostic overshadowing this led to, particularly around diagnosis of their health conditions.
    • The evolution of Sienna’s neurodivergent identity.
    • Sienna’s experience of using mobility, communication, and health and wellbeing supports.
    • Support needs, disability, and therapeutic intervention as a valid part of the neurodivergent experience, and the difference between affirming and non-affirming therapies.
    • The role of lateral violence and internalised ableism in excluding people with higher support needs from the cultural conversation on Autism.
    • Sienna’s suggestions to increase inclusion and representation for Autistic people with higher support needs.
    • Sienna’s current special interest – budgie breeding!

    Find Sienna on TikTok and Instagram @sienna.stims, on their professional Instagram @sienna.macalister_media, or on YouTube @sienna_stims.

    Sienna’s writing is features in the anthologies Someone Like Me, edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case, and Hyperfocus, edited by Spectrum Writing.

    Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

    Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.

    Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.

    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    59 m
  • Neurodivergence and Teens with Dr Michelle Garnett

    Neurodivergence and Teens with Dr Michelle Garnett
    Apr 20 2025

    On today’s episode we are deeply honoured to have Dr Michelle Garnett speaking with us about neurodivergence in the teen years, as well as her own life experience as a neurodivergent woman. Dr Garnett is a clinical psychologist, author, and late-diagnosed AuDHDer, and she has worked in the autistic community for over 30 years. Listeners would likely know her as the co-founder of Attwood & Garnett Events, with Professor Tony Attwood. Dr Garnett is a leading voice in neuro-affirming care, research, and advocacy.

    We cover:

    • What neurodivergence means to Michelle.
    • Michelle’s experience of her neurodivergence and anxiety throughout her life, and things that she has personally found helpful in managing anxiety.
    • [We get here at about the 40 minute mark!] Reasons why the transition to the teen years can be so challenging for neurodivergence teens and their families, including neurological changes and differences, and school and the broader environment.
    • Identity formation in the teen years for neurodivergent teens.
    • Making room for your own emotions as a parent.
    • Signs to look out for that may indicate your young person is struggling.
    • Tips for parents and caregivers supporting neurodivergent young people.
    • Michelle’s five key messages for neurodivergent teens.

    Things we mentioned + helpful resources:

    • Attwood & Garnett Events in general
    • Webcast: Autism and Carer Burnout - 11th April 2025 – Attwood & Garnett Events
    • Webcast: Autism: Developing a Positive Self-Identity - 22nd August 202 – Attwood & Garnett Events
    • Succeeding with Autistic Teenagers – Attwood & Garnett Events
    • School Can’t Australia
    • Books Dr Garnett recommends for parents
      1. Out of the Box by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow
      2. Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender Diverse Youth - Yellow Ladybugs
      3. If autistic themselves: The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Jennifer Kemp & Monique Mitchelson
    • Podcasts Dr Garnett recommends for teens
      1. For identity and self-acceptance (not identified as ND): Feeling Seen, The Happiness Lab, Ologies
      2. For identified and accepted ND: Uniquely Human: The Podcast, The Divergent Mind
      3. Storytelling & relatable for teens: This Teenage Life, Teenager Therapy, Brave Not Perfect

    Find Michelle at Attwood and Garnett Events and on socials @ attwoodgarnett

    Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

    Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.

    Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.

    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 36 m
  • Functional Neurological Disorder with Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett

    Functional Neurological Disorder with Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett
    Apr 13 2025

    We’re super excited to bring you this week’s episode with Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist, Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett (she/her). We chat with Simone about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – or, as Simone puts it “the most common disorder you’ve never heard of”. Simone specialises in FND, neurodegenerative syndromes, and movement disorders, and practices out of Yarra City Psychology in Richmond, Melbourne. She is experienced in both ends of patient care, including assessment and diagnosis and rehabilitation and intervention.

    If you’ve been wondering about FND, this episode is for you! We cover:

    • What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and how does FND differ from other neurological disorders (like epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s etc.)
    • What does the term ‘functional’ mean, in this context?
    • The historical context of FND and how our understanding of this condition has evolved over time.
    • Some of the currently known mechanisms behind FND, including predictive coding theory.
    • Some common vulnerabilities and triggers for FND.
    • The overlap between FND, neurodivergence, and gender.
    • Simone takes us through treatment options for FND and who would be involved in the treatment team.
    • How Simone came to specialise in FND and her work in FND advocacy and education.

    Things mentioned:

    • FND Australia
    • Support Functional Neurological Disorder in Australia
    • Functional Neurological Disorder Society (FNDS), for professionals.
    • Here are some studies on the link between FND and Autism – Tamilson et al., 2024, Gonzalez-Herrero et al., 2024, Pun et al., 2020,
    • Link between gender and FND – McLoughlin et al., 2023.

    Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

    Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.

    Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.

    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 h y 25 m
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